Chapter 02, Alright here we go. I do NOT OWN either RWBY or Stardew Valley and never will. I hope you enjoy and let's get into it.
Pelican Town: a small settlement in the past, having since grown into a small town since the time he was a young boy. A town filled with not only friendly and familiar faces, but also a community that was knit as tight as a family in its own right. A place where people knew one another, and a place filled with honest hospitality for others both from and away from the wonderous lands of Stardew Valley.
Yes, Stardew Valley, a magical place, a place where one could find a more peaceful lifestyle, one far away from the normal hustle and bustle of the big city life such as Zuzu City a few good hours down the road. For many people, new and old, have come to savor and enjoy the different ways of life, for the most part by any means. A place of small businesses such as the general store, or the saloon, the later located in the center of town, offering the towns folk a warm meal and a thirst-quenching drink.
Or perhaps you came for the local wildlife, the southern seas of the Gem Ocean would be quite the view, a place where a fisherman could take fishing rod in hand and cast their lines, catching fish and making an earning with their keep. Or the Cindersnap Forest, a bountiful greenwood where the natural resources were plentiful, a forest filled with magic that would bring any adventurer a time of their lives if one sought to explore deeper into the woods.
Perhaps you sought your way with adventure, a nearby mineshaft, having been abandoned now for year, no doubt still rich with plenty of different ores. Gold, silver, copper and more. Guarded by the monsters, some of which had become much tamer than they had when he was a young boy, the Adventure's Guild to thank for that, as the times before now were much more dangerous than it was now. A peaceful place, despite their nation at war with another.
Since that war, it seems like times had changed, and not entirely for the better. Sitting at his desk, an aged man in his later years, garbed in clothes of green and brown with hair dyed grey with the passage of time, waited for the governor to arrive to discuss an "Important Matter" as the second man had decided to talk about the said matter at hand.
The second man in question, a younger man wearing a business suit of some sort that sat across from him in another chair in his office seemed to be just as impatient in a sense. Glasses resting on his nose as he rested his folded hands in his lap with a smile on his face. A smile that, as the older man heard a few times prior from another, was that of a "Silver-Tongued Weasel." While that comparison may have seemed a bit harsh, but he could honestly say that right now, that description seemed a fair bit more accurate than not.
"I hope the Govenor will be here soon, I have to be back to the market by close." the younger man said, the older of the two frowning as he let a tired sigh escape his mouth. The mayor of the town let out a somber question, earning a curious look from the other man.
"I hope you reconsider" the man said, addressing the businessman who came here to look after and help run the newly established Joja Mart on the other side of town, a newly added building that was brought in by the mega corporation. "While it might be abandoned, it does belong to the Archer Family." Hearing the name brought back some fonder memories to the older man, having befriended the former owner before his mysterious departure alongside his just as mysterious wife. They were made for one another, much like how he had one day hoped he and another in town could've one day have been.
"Nonsense" the younger man said, dismissing such a thing with a smile still on his face. "That old shack had been abandoned for years" he reminded, earning a deeper frown from the mayor. "And as the Governor had said, without the owner or the owner's family here, and with no deed to document providing any ownership regarding that overtaken lot of land, it is about time for it to be repurposed into something more... necessary."
Necessary the man says, the older man had to laugh, if not with humor, then with minor bitterness. Honestly, that farmland was something that had provided for the town for quite a number of years, although not too long now. The lot having been abandoned longer than it was in use. The owner, a young man in his late teens when he arrived, having left around twenty-eight, perhaps thirty years or so ago?
He couldn't fully recall anymore, but that was not the point by his perspective. The mayor frowned as the businessman continued. "An abandoned property like that little shack could be so much more" the man, Morris said. "With it under Joja's ownership, we could use the extra space for a warehouse or two." Hearing such a thing made the older man develop a sour taste in his mouth.
"Regardless, it is still under a family's name. Bought and paid for, even the governor is aware of that" he said, the older man recalling the money sent to him in the last following years. A mysterious letter with the money to keep the property paid for. "If only that man was here" he muttered, knowing that neither Rufous nor Stella would put up with it. Knowing the former, he would be more than eager to speak his mind.
If only he was still here.
Before he could continue such a conversation with the manager of the nearby mega mart, the door was opened and within its entrance was a man wearing a purple attire, matched with a hat and a similarly grey mustache to the mayor who greeted him. "Governor, sir" the mayor greeted, the fellow elderly man smiled.
"Ah, Lewis... it's nice to see you again, how have things been?" he asked, the other man greeting the mayor, now named Lewis as the later smiled.
"I have been well; I hope the ride has not been too rough for you" he said with a kind and respectful tone. The governor nodding his head with a smile still on his plump face.
"No different than the others, I must say though, I wish this was for our yearly Luau. Pelican Town has such great food to offer and greater hospitality" he said happily before taking a seat next to Morris, his smile however turning to a more serious expression, knowing that the meeting was more than just a friendly discussion regarding the summer festival held yearly. "However, I think it would be best that we get down to business, at least for now regarding this... property dispute?" he asked more than said, not sure as to what the overall details were.
"Yes, and I like to thank you for this opportunity" Morris said, beginning the discussion. "I had sent the request regarding the old farmland outside of town" he began as the governor nodded. He had received a few letters addressed to him, from many of the Joja Company branches regarding their hopes of expansion. This would be the third time this month he would have a meeting regarding such a thing, a tired sigh escaping him.
"I have... Morris, am I not, correct?" he asked, earning a nod from the manager of the market. Lewis frowned slightly as the governor gave it thought. "And from you, Lewis... you have sent in requests regarding the rejection of this new warehouse on the old Archer Family farmland, is that so?" he asked, Lewis nodding his head while ignoring the slight look of annoyance from Morris.
"Indeed, sir" Lewis said with a frown. "I have been sending in the property taxes and payments regarding the land, as well as showing proof that it is still under ownership to both Rufous and Stella Archer. Not only that but according to the paperwork we have managed to acquire from the office, the title of the farm, while missing, does show from the copies made that we still have another week to properly determine what to do with it." To prove his point, Lewis pulled out a folder, containing the old copy of the title deed to the farmland, Morris frowning at that.
"True, it is well known that no actions can be done unless either the owner of the property has been contacted, or the expiration of the current contract regarding ownership, has been reached. However, from what I recall, both owners disappeared quite a long time ago... and not been heard from since, is that not true?" the governor asked as Lewis frowned.
"From what I have been informed of, there has been no word from either owner of the farmland" Morris interrupted, taking the two other men's attention. "Which is why we at Joja would like to make our offer before another one appears. And we would be more than happy to pay upfront, triple the original price, if needs be." The way he seemed too eager to begin making an offer was another reason some of the townsfolk had less than pleasant things to say regarding the man. The Governor frowning as he recalled the deal offered to the Ferngill Republic. The land, having costed originally around 1,000,000,000 $G. And triple the price of the land would have been more than enough to buy not only that farmland but the area around it, including the field south of the farm and perhaps the beach as well. It was clear that Joja meant business, and with a frown, the Governor gave his answer.
"Yes, I am more than aware, and the Ferngill Republic, I will not lie to either of you, had been interested in such a transaction" he said, earning a smile from Morris before the Governor spoke up again. "However, time is still not up for Archer Farms, the owner could still show up soon. I have looked into the case myself, and it seems like another offer came in just the other day."
"A-another offer?" Morris asked clumsly as not only he, but Lewis as well was shocked to hear such a thing, both men turning to the other man with mouths open and a few seconds to fully understand the man's words. Morris recovered first. "B-but of course, you would agree that Joja would be the better choice. We have already done much to help the community, providing great deals and job opportunities to the town" he said as Lewis frowned. While he might have disagreed with the man, Morris wasn't entirely wrong. The economy, well...
It wasn't too well until Joja intervened. Enough to make a living, enough to keep others happy and fed, but poor enough for them to be considered "Impoverished." The Governor listened to the younger man, the conversation continuing for minutes, and then onto hours. Lewis and Morris making their points. Eventually it was decided, the Governor's voice settling the matter.
"Then it is settled" he began with a stern expression on his face, his hands folded as Lewis and Morris looked at the man in question. "It is clear that both of you have your reasons, I can't say I'd blame either of you" he said, turning to Lewis first. "Archer Farms was an important place to the town, a place owned by a respected man who had done a great number of feats from what I recall. But even if you sought to keep the legacy of the Archer Family, there has been no sign or word from them. As far as anyone knows they disappeared without a trace."
"...Hmm, Governor" Morris called out, his voice filled with unusual eagerness to it which made Lewis feel like something was wrong. "From what I recall, the owner, Rufous Archer, he said he was originally from the Gotora Empire, or at least that is what the word around town is. Why would anyone wish to have any close ties with someone from a warring nation. More so, how could we even trust them now. As far as we are aware, they could've been spies against the Ferngill-"
"Enough!" Lewis spat, rage showing deep in his eyes as he glared at the man who flinched back at the sudden outburst. "Are you telling us that Rufous Archer, someone who had helped built this town, who had saved the lives of this town's people, who has done more than you or your blasted corporation has done in five short years than you could do in a lifetime was a spy?!" he shouted, "An enemy?!"
"And are you so certain he wasn't?" Morris asked, recomposing himself with a snarl. "And for your information, the Joja Corporation had done great things for the Ferngill Republic, greater things than some farmers, one with a sword and who's greatest contribution was growing pumpkins and swinging swords at bats all night." The mayor of the town, the nerve of him, even thinking that Joja would be less than some nobody farmer when the path to progress and prosperity was with the brilliant minds and work of the Joja Corporation.
"Some farmers? Rufous Archer was a great man, and I will not allow you, or anyone for that matter, say such things regarding one of Pelican Town's greatest civilians. And I know for a fact that both Rufous and his wife were officially made citizens of the Ferngill Republic." Lewis practically hissed. Before the argument could boil over, the Governor had reached his patience.
"That is well enough out of both of you!" he shouted, earning the two others attention. The Governor frowned towards Lewis but had an understanding as to why Lewis got so riled up. "Lewis, you were close friends with Rufous, and from what I recall he was a man of great praise in the valley" he said as he turned to Morris. "And while I understand your concerns, I will not allow you to insult a man, who as Lewis has said, became an official citizen of the Ferngill Republic." For all any of them knew, they were not even from the Gotoro Empire, they could've been from somewhere else. The world was filled with mysterious things, he had seen such a thing many of times. Between the traveling merchants and their Mermaid Shows, the rumors regarding the unreleased sightings and confirmations of UFOs, the stories of the strange ruins found in the valley and the monsters about in the world.
"...I, apologize" Morris said, half-heartedly at most. No, it was clearly an act, the man feeling annoyed at his own apology regarding a man that was probably no longer even around. If the man, this Rufous Archer, was as great of a man as the mayor claimed he was, then he would have agreed that Joja Mart would be the correct choice. Lewis frowned but remained quiet in this situation.
"Therefore, I will give you, Lewis... a week to find any information on Rufous Archer, or his family" he said as both other men looked at the governor in alarm. "I think it is only fair, it is primarily his property. Should he or a family member provide proof of their ownership over Archer Farms, then the matter will be settled and shall remain under ownership of the Archer Family" he said, Lewis nodding his head, having a window now to find a way out of this mess. "However, should no one be able to properly claim ownership and provide proof of the ownership of the Archer Family farmlands, then after one week, we will have no other choice but to have the Archer Family relinquish ownership, and thus... the Ferngill Republic will auction off the properties listed on the title."
"Of course," Morris responded, a polite smile on his face. The time began to tick forward, the Governor glancing at the clock. The hands turning towards the numbers, indicating the time being after three now.
"With that decided, I hope you will excuse me. I am hoping to grab some dinner soon, before my ride returns for me" he said with a laugh. "From what I overheard, the saloon seems to be holding quite the deals today" he said as he began to leave. 'Heh, Carp Surprise, and a warm cup of coffee' he said, a smile on his face all the while as he left the office, leaving the two men in the room.
As soon as the man left, the air grew cooler, Lewis and Morris leering at one another, the hostilities still evident as Morris stood up, following the governor out of the mayor's office. "I must say, Mayor Lewis" Morris began with a slight condescending tone, "You seem to hold quite the respect for this... Mr. Archer. He seems like quite the guy from what I heard of" Morris said as Lewis nodded.
"He is an old friend of mine and the town's" Lewis said with hands in his pockets as he stood up from his own chair. Morris nodding as he did.
"Indeed, so I was told. Still, in time even friends can become rather... un-reliant" he said with a frown as he made his way out. "Times are changing, and we cannot stay stuck in the past forever. In time, even the old hands need a turn-over." Lewis frowned at that, his gaze narrowing slightly as the man left. As he did so, the door closed, leaving the older man to his thoughts.
Pelican Town: A town filled with not only friendly and familiar faces, but also a community that was knit as tight as a family. Or at least that's how it's always been. Closing his eyes, Mayor Lewis waited for a moment or two, his mind thinking back to better days until a sudden ringing was heard, snapping him out of his thoughts. As his head turned to the phone, ringing on a nearby table, the mayor made his way towards it, curiously picking up the small device and placing it towards his ear. "Mayor Lewis speaking..." he said, hearing the voice on the other end of the line.
"Lewis, sir... I, uh... you're going to need to come quick to the Clinic" a man's voice said. Harvey's if he could recall. "We... uh, have a visitor" his voice came, uncertain himself of what had happened. Confused as to the man's tones, Lewis frowned.
"A visitor? Do you mean the governor?" Lewis asked before what sounded like some sort of struggle was heard on the other side. Another familiar voice came through the phone and into his ears, a woman's voice.
"Lewis, this is Robin... Y-you're going to need to swing by as soon as you can... something weird just happened" she said as she stressed the urgency of the mayor making his way to the nearby clinic.
"Weird?" Lewis asked, not entirely sure what she meant by that. "What do you mean weird?" he asked as Robin stayed quiet on the other end for a second. She could be heard talking to Harvey, regarding something until she spoke into the phone once more.
"Well..." she said, beginning to describe what happened. Understandably, Lewis simply hung up, contemplated what he was told, and muttered something under his breath regarding "There was no way" and "Imposible." This was followed by an urge to curse what he, and some of the others of the town could call "Archer Luck" as well as a strong urge to join Pam at the saloon for a very potent drink.
'What on Remnant?' Jaune thought as he found himself no longer in Ozpin's office, or probably in Vale by this point, stranded alone in some strange room as he looked around, confused with what laid around him.
To say it was surreal was certainly an understatement as the young man looked around at his surroundings. A feeling of weightlessness filled him as he found himself floating in what seemed to be some sort of dark area with stars surrounding him in a mysterious pattern of some sort. Above him was more than just the stars dotted around him, a large moon shining brightly, full and completed, and unlike the one back home. It seemed almost haunting in a sense, the former student lost in what seemed to be some kind of dream.
"Not quite, young man" a voice called from the room, Jaune turning to face a sudden intrusion of this area, a man wearing a strange set of clothes, clothes that managed to match the room around them. His coat and pants matched the strangely lit room as what appeared to be white dots were scatted across them. A hat, somewhat like a fedora or a gallon hat combination placed upon the mysterious man's head with two lenses of darkly tinted glasses covered his eyes, his skin an eerie shade of blue. The air around him, reminding the young man of the headmaster of Beacon, an aura around him that exuded not only wisdom, but great strength he could practically feel ooze from the man. "So... you're Jaune Arc then? Heh, nice to meet ya."
"I... you... where... are we, and who are you?" Jaune began, nervousness showing just as clear as the man seemed amused by it. "How do you know me... just what's going on?!" he cried out, the man chuckled a bit at the confused swordsman's tones.
"Heh, relax. If you think I'm here to hurt you, you're mistaken of course. Don't you know the old saying?" he asked as he placed a hand to his chin, recalling a familiar phrase. "What was it now... Ah, that's right. Strangers are only friends you haven't met yet, am I right?" he asked again, a knowing smile forming, as Jaune was caught off guard with that one.
"I... uh, just... who?" he sputtered, the man before him having his arms folded behind his back, the smile still there and seemingly frozen in place.
"Right, I suppose a proper greeting is in order" he said as he nodded towards the younger man. "For all purposes, I suppose you can call me Mr. Qi" he introduced himself. "And as for who I am... let's just say I'm an old friend of your grandfather's" he stated as Jaune frowned.
"I... hold on, just... wait a moment. You know... my grandpa?" he asked, earning a nod from the man. "I don't... I mean, who or what are you?" he asked again. Perhaps it was rather rude of him to word it like that, but it wasn't as if someone could blame him. The man was clearly not human, or a faunus even. He looked alien, he seemed alien. The man merely chuckled at the question before speaking up.
"Dear, Jaune" he began, amused for a moment. "Who I am, what I am, I doubt it matters too much. Considering where we are as well as what happened back at Beacon... But for starters, I suppose you can call me an old friend of the family, as well as a current benefactor on your behalf" he explained as Jaune was lost. "Try to think carefully, remember what happened."
"Remember what happened?" Jaune asked as he thought back to what he meant. As he did, he could recall the moment clearly, almost too clearly, the stars around him shifting as the area morphed around him, forming into what appeared to be Beacon's main office. Ozpin's office, located on top of the tower as Jaune recollected everything. "I... I was called into Ozpin's office... I was expelled... the council could expel me... and then we... we..." he trailed as eyes widened as he suddenly turned around, as if looking for something he overlooked. Something was wrong, and Mr. Qi merely smiled. "Blake, and my card!" he suddenly shouted as he reached into his pocket, without warning at that as his hand tore open the pouch and searched inside of it for the familiar card in question.
"If you're searching for your friend, she's fine at the moment" Mr. Qi began, catching Jaune by surprise. "And, if you're looking for your card, you're in luck... it's right here" he said as the man held the card in his hand, having snatched it from the younger man. "As for why I have it, no I didn't steal it, it was mine to begin with" he remarked, earning a cautious expression from the young man. Mr. Qi merely placed the card in his coat pocket, walking towards the young man. "For now, let's start from the very beginning..." he said as the room around him came alive, lights illuminating the room as it reflected off of the mysterious man's glasses.
As Jaune stirred in his sleep, the sheets of a hospital bed were disrupted slightly as it was clear he was dreaming of something. As he did, three people stood around him, one of which being Mayor Lewis himself, his hands on a piece of paper with another one, a more familiar one, placed on a nearby table. As he read the small note addressed to him, he had to wonder if this was some sort of hoax or not.
Besides him was a woman with long orange hair, tied in a ponytail and wearing an orange sweater with a brown fur vest of some sort of animal. Green pants and brown boots, the nearby Carpender of the town who had served as a great assistant to Lewis in certain situations. Such as helping newcomers arrive to the valley. Helping install new signs. And now apparently, acting as his advisor regarding what she had known as "The Luck of the Archer Family."
Honestly, from what she could even recall from her own childhood, having known of the man in question, it was clear that this was right up the man's alley as it were. Having traded stories with Marlon, as well as Lewis himself, it was not too surprising to see the young man that rested in the nearby bed appeared just like he had apparently. Found by someone of the town, unconscious and taken in by the small settlement. Still, it seemed too suspicious to her. The timing was too coincidental, as if he appeared at the perfect time.
Something more was going on here, a look from Lewis confirmed that as he placed down the note back on the nearby table, having read it and re-read it well over several times by now. "Robin, how did you find our... guest here again?" the mayor asked again, as if he was still trying to process it as Robin frowned. She couldn't blame him for asking once again, the story seeming just as bizarre as Rufous was himself.
"I was chopping wood near the old shack on the Archer Family's farmland... I had a permit; Lewis can back me up" she said as she could already tell the doctor looking at her with a deadpanned gaze. "-And when I looked away from that small shack of Rufous's I heard a thud. And then out of nowhere did I see the kid just lying there, unconscious."
Yep... that sounds about right. At least for someone like Rufous, or in this case his grandson. Lewis letting out a tired sigh, going through the note attached to the document, which was apparently a hastily modified deed to the old farmhouse and land it was built upon. The note being addressed to not only the young man... Jaune Arc as it were, but also them as well.
The letter read as such.
Dear Jaune Arc
You may not know who I am, I wouldn't doubt you if you didn't. You were born after my death. But allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rufous Archer, your grandfather on your mother's side. I'm sure she has told you so many of my incredible stories of my youth. If not, then it's probably Nick's fault. Anyways, that is beyond the point.
If you're reading this, then that means Stella's vision came to be. And as such, you have found yourself with a choice to make. While we might not have met, I am sure that you are much like me when I was in your boots. A lost soul with nowhere to go, needing a place to stay and grow, until the time comes where you too can stand up, head high and confident in your worth as an Archer... or an Arc as Stella has stressed.
If that is the case, then as your grandfather, I hope this gift will be able to help you as it had helped myself. The years I spent in Stardew Valley were some of the greatest of my life. And I can only assume that, with as long as I've been away, the farm might need some work. No doubt it will be an uphill battle. But we Archer are all recklessly stubborn to give up, or heavily unlucky to get out of it. And I am confident that you will bring honor to the Archer Name.
If this is the case, then I hereby grant you full ownership of the Archer Farm, plot of land and more. Hoping that the time there will help you grow into the man you were meant to become. If not, then I'll leave you in an "Old Friend's" hands. I'm sure he will handle things in my steed, should the need become necessary. With that being said, I wish you a well and fulfilling life, from both me and your grandmother.
And if a man named Lewis is still alive, give him and the others my regards. To Marlon, Evelyn, George and Gunther as well. Oh, and if you see a monster calling itself Nights, by all means kick his ass for me for old times sakes.
Your grandfather- Rufous Archer.
Lewis shook his head, recalling how Stella Archer, a young and mysterious woman who could put the mysteries of even Rufous himself to shame, was able to see so far into the future. Then again, it wasn't as if she was the only one. A particular seer, Wellwick he recalled, was friends with that mysterious man who lived near Marnie's ranch. Apparently, he was a wizard or something. At least according to Marlon. But that just brought up more questions than answers.
For example: Jaune Arc himself. Who was he really, the note stating not even Rufous knew. It was disheartening to know the man had passed, but with the memories of the farmer pushed aside for the moment, Lewis focused on his grandson. Jaune was much like Rufous, or so the later seemed to have hoped. The confusion of this made no real sense, uncertainty still boggling the older man's mind as to why Rufous would name a grandchild he'd have no idea was like the apparent successor to the farm.
...Oh, who was he fooling. If this was Stella's vision and idea, then of course Rufous would go all in. Honestly, despite how the man was in his youth, living here amongst the small community at the time, he believed the proper word to describe his relationship with his wife, was... what was it again?
Oh, right. Rufous was whipped. Defiantly so but whipped, nonetheless.
But whether Jaune was worthy of the farmlands was still up for debate. And apparently Rufous had asked an "Old Friend" as it were, to keep an eye on him. At first the mayor thought back as to who that could be. Marlon? or Evelyn? Lewis himself or... no, he highly doubted that monster would get involved. The list seemed to keep getting shorter and shorter, until he remembered the meeting he had with the governor.
'Perhaps... whoever was paying the taxes... and that sudden second offer...' Lewis pondered before shaking his head, chalking it all up to the Archer Family's luck and strangeness. "Ugh, leave it to Rufous... to come back after disappearing, and in such a way that gives us a headache" he muttered. As he did, a younger man spoke up, with combed hair and a groomed mustache, the man seemed to think of something regarding the whole thing.
"Still, to have his grandson to just appear from nowhere... I heard the stories of Rufous, but I never gave them much thought before... and even so, how did he even get here to begin with. And is he really who we think he is?" the man asked as Lewis nodded.
"I don't blame you on that last part. It would be better to have some proof beyond just a note..." Lewis said. It wasn't that he had anything against the kid. He never even met him. And looking at him, he did seem to bare somewhat of a resemblance to Rufous, as well as the strange circumstances around him. the paperwork with him was real, as too was the written letter since he remembered the man's writing.
"So... we just wait for the kid to wake up then?" Robin asked, curious about the young man while Lewis had to nod. Looking at the medical equipment near the bed he considered the idea of having blood tests done to validate it. No, that wouldn't work. The records for both Rufous and Stella no doubt were tossed long ago. Even so he doubts they would properly match. It wasn't as if they kept blood from over two plus decades ago.
Instead, they just had to ask the young man himself. Whatever the situation was, something was clear. In less than a weeks' time, things were going to change here. But for better or worse? Well, that was the question. Looking back towards Robin and Harvey, Lewis nodded before making his leave. As he did, he still couldn't help but wonder, just why was the young man brought here? And why did he feel that there was something more behind this.
"And there is no sign of them?" a woman's voice called out, a frown on her face as she addressed the two others. Clearly things hadn't gone according to plan, a plan that she thought would further divide the kingdom and make it easier for her to make her move. The woman could have been considered quite the looker, a beautiful face with long raven hair and amber eyes that burned brightly with no signs of hiding the ambition she held behind them. "Not a single clue or lead to where they went?" she asked again with her arms crossed and sitting on the bed provided for her and her "Team." As she did, she held onto a notice that was handed out to the civilians, a wanted poster made by the council that had begun to be distributed around Beacon. It was only yesterday that the word of two former students, branded now as fugitives, disappeared without a trace and from that day, the paranoia of the people was obviously used against Ozpin and Ironwood. My, what rumors were being spread across campus by the students, huntsmen and civilians.
Rumors such as faker and fraud, terrorist and animal. How some of the more... accusative people, believed that both missing students played a part in the tragedy before them. How great it was for them to take the blame and eyes off of them.
"From the latest news... no one knows where they went. The council is demanding the entire school be searched and Ozpin stripped from his position as headmaster" a younger woman said, light green hair and red eyes. She sat on her own bed, inspecting her weapons as she was just as confused as the others. Her assigned partner seemed a bit calmer and more uncaring than the two women around him, resting on his own bed as he minded his own business.
"Apparently they already tried" he said, recalling the rumors floating around. Typical politicians, so worried about saving face and blaming others while trying to snatch as much power and influence as they can. "But that just works to our advantage though, right?" he asked, his grey eyes turning to face his boss with a small grin. "I mean, it's not like we have to worry about them now. The council is all-but-assured they're guilty. And their teams are in just as much turmoil as you wanted them to be." Despite his words, so bold and confident, it mattered little to the oldest of them.
"If we don't know what happened to them, then that could cause issues with our endeavors" the woman said, her eyes narrowing slightly as she stood from her bed and looked out the window. "The festival is still being held without delay. The council wanting to save face after Roman's little blunder." That fool, it was clear that he couldn't be trusted to carry out such a simple task. Yet that was alright by her, it didn't matter in the end. He was right where she needed him to be, a little earlier than expected but able to better help serve his purpose to them.
'Yes, this is still going along smoothly' she thought with a grin. 'Roman is behind bars, but suspicion and fear are still in the air.' The Breach as they called it, was not without its casualties. Already, the council is questioning Ozpin's ways. Neo will be with them, and the eyes focused on Roman, so long as he remains smart enough not to try anything else. Not only that, but he proved quite useful in more than just a pawn. My what connections he had, both he and the White Fang having an interesting connection with the two missing students.
She had to laugh a little. Honestly, how foolish was Ozpin to even allow those two into Beacon at all? A naive boy, who had no real experience, no real drive beyond his foolish hopes of playing hero, to go as far as lying his way into a place he didn't have any right to belong in at all. And the young girl, Adam's little cat, who left his side and allowed the man to have no other choice but to agree to assist the woman's own agenda. Keeping those kids, that meddling Team RWBY out of their hair, and keeping Team JNPR's so called "Goddess of Victory" off of her game. So much changing from the norm. Perhaps even pushing Ozpin to act much more recklessly than he had. And it was all because of them.
Should she ever meet them in person, she would have to thank them for making this so much easier for her. Their foolish dreams, their reasons of wanting to "Do the Right Thing" and "Be a Hero" as they wanted. Cinder's eyes gleamed with the power of the Fall Maiden. Yes, this chaos, this uncertainty. She would use it all and bring Vale down to its knees. But as she schemed how to fully divide the kingdom and finish what she started, to claim the power she was denied by that drunken whelp who served under Ozpin so faithfully and blindly, she had to wonder one thing.
'But just where did they go?' she questioned as she looked out the window. Recalling the security camera, she had access to at the time, a benefit from Watt's little virus of course. No, she saw what happened, she knew something was amiss. Whatever it was, she had to wonder, just how this could affect her plans. Very little she assumed. Afterall, no one could deny her the power she rightfully deserved. And if they tried...
Smoke rose from her balled fist, a dangerous grin forming as she burned the posters of the two fugitives quickly turned to ash with a promise of agony awaiting anyone who would try to interfere with her, especially when they were this close to the end. As the flames died down, she turned to face the two others. "Emerald, Mercury... I want you to keep close to those two teams... Teams RWBY and JNPR" she clarified as both of her underlings perked up, albeit it with confusion as to why. "I want to be kept informed of them, I need to make sure they stay out of the way until the time comes" she demanded, earning nods from the two of them. Good, that should keep things better under control.
And with that Cinder made her way out of the room, in higher spirits as she prepared for the Vytal Festival. And oh, what a festival that would be...
And with that, Chapter 2 is done. With a little introduction to Lewis and Morris, as well as me trying to weave together both the RWBY and Stardew Continuity together. Safe to say that magic is at work here and I'm doing my best to connect it together, with a few fan theories scattered here and there.
But with Jaune now in Pelican Town, Blake currently unknown and Cinder's hand in causing this all to happen explained, I will say I plan on taking some creative liberties regarding the end of Volume 3, since that will impact the overall story at one point or another. With that being said, I hope you all enjoyed it and have a great night.